Carlson Hammond & Paddock

In a state like Colorado, where water is a vital resource and environmental stewardship is paramount, navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding these areas requires highly specialized expertise. For individuals, agricultural interests, municipalities, and development entities across the state, securing legal counsel that deeply understands Colorado's unique water law and environmental regulations is not just advantageous, it's essential. This article introduces you to Carlson Hammond & Paddock, a distinguished Denver-based law firm that has built a stellar reputation for its proficiency in these critical legal fields.

Carlson Hammond & Paddock, L.L.C., founded in 1986, has established itself as a cornerstone in Colorado's legal community, particularly in the intricate domain of water law. The firm's founders, John Carlson (who passed away in 1992 but left a significant legacy in Colorado water law), Mary Mead Hammond, and Bill Paddock, set a high standard for expertise and client dedication. Their long-standing presence and deep involvement in key water law cases, as well as contributions to the broader water community, underscore their authoritative position. Today, the firm continues to serve a diverse client base, offering sophisticated legal strategies in matters vital to Colorado's natural resources and development. They are recognized for their focus on making each client feel profoundly understood, providing clear paths to specific goals, and demonstrating total dedication in their follow-through.

Location and Accessibility

Carlson Hammond & Paddock is strategically located at 1900 Grant St, Denver, CO 80203, USA. This address places the firm in the heart of downtown Denver, within a prominent professional building. Grant Street is a major artery in the city, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients traveling from various parts of the Denver metropolitan area and other regions of Colorado. The central downtown location means the office is well-served by public transportation options, and there are likely numerous parking garages and street parking opportunities nearby, offering convenience for clients visiting for consultations or meetings.

The firm's downtown Denver presence offers significant advantages for Colorado locals. It provides immediate proximity to state and federal courthouses, government agencies (including those dealing with water rights and environmental regulations), and other essential legal and administrative resources. This central location facilitates efficient communication, streamlines legal processes, and ensures that the legal team is intimately familiar with the procedures, personnel, and nuances of Colorado's judicial and regulatory systems. For clients dealing with complex and often highly localized matters such as water rights, this accessibility and familiarity with the state's unique legal framework can be invaluable.

Services Offered

Carlson Hammond & Paddock, L.L.C., specializes in complex and often highly technical areas of law, with a particular emphasis on matters critical to Colorado's environment and development. Their core services revolve around:

• Water Law and Litigation: This is a primary focus area where the firm provides comprehensive legal services related to Colorado's intricate water rights system. This includes:
  • Adjudications of water rights: Legal processes to confirm and establish new water rights.
  • Related diligence cases: Ensuring the continued validity and use of existing water rights.
  • Opposition to potentially injurious water right proceedings: Protecting clients' existing water rights from adverse claims.
  • Adjudication of changes of water right: Legally modifying the type or place of use of a water right.
  • Augmentation plans: Developing and securing approval for plans to replace out-of-priority depletions from streams.
  • Exchange cases: Legal arrangements for exchanging water from different sources.
  • Groundwater law: Expertise in legal issues pertaining to underground water resources, including nontributary groundwater.
• Environmental Law and Land Use: Advising clients on environmental regulations, permitting, compliance, and disputes related to land development and resource management. This often overlaps with their water law practice.
• Real Estate Law: Handling legal matters related to real property, including transactions, disputes, and the intersection of real estate with water rights and environmental regulations.
• Corporate Law: While perhaps not their primary specialization, information suggests they also handle some corporate matters, likely in conjunction with their other core areas for businesses involved in natural resources or land development.
• General Litigation: Beyond their specialized areas, the firm also engages in broader litigation, particularly as it pertains to the resolution of disputes within their core practice areas (water, environmental, real estate).

Their deep engagement in the "water community" further signifies their dedication and expertise in these specialized fields, making them a go-to firm for these critical legal issues in Colorado.

Features / Highlights

Carlson Hammond & Paddock, L.L.C., stands out due to several distinguishing features and professional recognition:

• Unparalleled Water Law Expertise: The firm is widely recognized as a leader in Colorado water law. They are metro ranked Tier 1 for Water Law by "Best Law Firms" in Colorado, a testament to their deep knowledge and successful track record in this highly specialized and complex field. William A. Paddock, a managing partner, is particularly noted for his expertise in water rights, real property, contracts, and environmental issues.
• Long-Standing Reputation and History: Founded in 1986, the firm has decades of experience serving Colorado clients. The legacy of John Carlson, one of the founders, as a significant force in Colorado water law, further solidifies their historical influence and ongoing expertise.
• Active in the Water Community: Members of the firm are actively involved in a variety of community and civic matters related to water, and they regularly write and speak on topics of interest to the water community. This active participation highlights their deep commitment and ongoing influence in their field.
• Diverse Client Base: They serve a wide variety of clients, including municipal, agricultural, development, special districts, and individual interests, demonstrating their versatility and broad applicability within the water and land use sectors.
• Holistic and Client-Centric Approach: The firm emphasizes a commitment to providing quality customer service, a collaborative approach, and building long-term relationships. They focus on making each client "feel profoundly understood," helping them achieve "a specific goal," and dedicating themselves to "follow-through."
• Recognition for Environmental and Land Use Law: Beyond water law, the firm is also recognized with a Tier 3 ranking in Environmental and Land Use law in Denver, underscoring their comprehensive capabilities in natural resource legal matters.

These features collectively underscore the firm's authority, experience, and client-focused approach, making them a prominent choice for complex legal issues in Colorado's unique environmental and resource landscape.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a highly specialized and well-regarded law firm focusing on complex areas such as water law, environmental law, and real estate, Carlson Hammond & Paddock, L.L.C., does not typically engage in traditional retail-style "promotions" or "special offers." Legal services in these fields are highly bespoke, and fees are generally determined by the intricacy of the legal issues, the time and expertise required, and the resources involved in a given case. The value of their services is derived from their deep institutional knowledge, decades of experience, and proven ability to navigate challenging legal landscapes.

However, like most professional legal firms, they would likely offer initial consultations to prospective clients. This crucial first meeting provides an opportunity for individuals or entities to discuss their specific legal needs, understand the firm's approach, and learn about their fee structure. During such a consultation, you can inquire about their billing practices, hourly rates, or any potential retainer agreements that might be applicable to your situation. We strongly recommend contacting Carlson Hammond & Paddock, L.L.C. directly to schedule a consultation and discuss your complex water, environmental, or real estate legal matters in detail.

Contact Information

For individuals, businesses, and organizations in Colorado seeking expert legal counsel in water law, environmental law, and related real estate matters, Carlson Hammond & Paddock, L.L.C., is readily accessible:

• Address: 1900 Grant St, Denver, CO 80203, USA
• Phone: (303) 861-9000

These contact details provide a direct line to the firm, enabling prospective clients to schedule consultations, discuss their complex legal concerns, and take the first step toward securing highly specialized representation. Given the often time-sensitive and critical nature of water rights and environmental issues, prompt communication is always encouraged.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For residents, businesses, and public entities throughout Colorado, especially those grappling with the intricate and often high-stakes legal matters pertaining to water rights, environmental regulations, and significant real estate developments, Carlson Hammond & Paddock, L.L.C., stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal partner. What makes this firm particularly well-suited for locals is its deep, decades-long specialization in Colorado water law – a field unique to the state's geography and history. Their Tier 1 ranking in Water Law underscores their unparalleled expertise and influence within this critical area.

The firm's long-standing presence since 1986, coupled with the legacy of its founders, reflects a profound understanding of Colorado's legal landscape and its natural resource challenges. Their commitment to making clients feel understood, setting clear goals, and thorough follow-through, even in highly complex litigation, ensures that local clients receive dedicated and effective advocacy. If you are in Colorado and your legal needs touch upon the vital areas of water rights, environmental compliance, or significant land use issues, Carlson Hammond & Paddock, L.L.C., offers the authoritative expertise and dedicated partnership necessary to navigate these complex legal waters successfully.